• A tribe may be identified in various ways, esp. by past dealings with other tribes or with the federal, state, or local government, or by recognition in historical records. [Cases: Indians 1–2. C.J.S. Indians §§ 2–4, 23–29, 38–39, 94, 130, 156.]
Indian tribe
A group, band, nation, or other organized group of indigenous American people, including any Alaskan native village, that is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the U.S. government because of Indian status (42 USCA § 9601(36)); esp., any such group having a federally recognized governing body that carries out substantial governmental duties and powers over an area (42 USCA § 300f(14); 40 CFR § 146.3).
